Bus riders, advice, please?

[Food Lady]

So for a couple of months I have been riding and I often take my rolling cart with me because I can't carry a lot of stuff due to a back issue. I really need it today because I'm going grocery shopping. It's like this: http://www.containerstore.com/s/kitc...ampaign=google


I got on today and nearly every seat was full. There may have been one if anyone had offered to scoot over to the window seat and let me have his, but even so I might have declined because I've heard under-the-breath complaints about my cart being in the aisle. I can fold it up, but there is just not enough leg room in a forward-facing seat. I really need one of the disabled seats, but no one offered me one today since I don't *look* disabled. I opted to stand for the 10-minute ride. It doesn't bother me.


It did bother the bus driver because it is a safety issue. (Though I wonder why they have bars people can hold onto?) He really wanted me to "find a seat". He asked nicely, so please don't fault him. Right after that a few people in the disabled seats were getting off and I said cheerfully, "Oh, I can now." It was akward. People were staring, esp. the lady across from me. Of course, my '30s-inspired outfit (complete with reproduction shoes) and hair often get me looks, so maybe that was it. Still, even when I am dressed "normally" that cart draws looks.

I just don't want to cause a safety issue nor get in anyone's way nor make an akward situation, but this happens a couple of times a month. I go out of my way to keep the cart out of the way; one time I put it on my lap and it was sticking all up in the air and stuff.

How can I deal with this? I have tried a regular shopping bag or messenger bag, but I ended up in pain for days from it. I need to be able to wheel my stuff. I guess I have to rearrange my schedule to avoid the busy times, but that's not always possible. I am going to the grocery store in a little bit and I don't know what I'll do on the way home.

[RootedPhoenix]

I don't know of any advice, but I'm sad some people were just not nice to you. *offers hugs*

[dendawg]

Were you traveling during a peak period? (ie rush hour or student travel) Maybe do your traveling during a non-peak period, if possible. Otherwise I don't think there's much the driver can do to you.

[Food Lady]

Yeah, it's a peak period. I don't know what he or I can do about no seats.

[TheSHAD0W]

There are some folding hand trucks that fold up flat and much smaller than that; if you combined that with a soft duffel bag you might be able to get them into a package that would neatly fit in your lap.

[MoonCat]

I use a wheelie cart for groceries too. Frankly, if anyone says a word I'll just point out that (1) my cart is not in the way as much as the idiots who insist on standing up front even where there are empty seats! and (2) I am doing my best to keep it out of the way. If possible I take a seat that allows me to put the cart in such a position that it won't be sticking out into the aisle. I keep my feet out of the aisle, and when someone has to move past me and my cart, I squoosh the cart as close to my legs as I can.

I also expect people to watch where they're going and use common sense. I know - long shot there, but there's only so much I can do.

A few times I've gotten off the bus a block before my regular stop because it was too crowded and I was too irritated to deal with it anymore.

[WishfulSpirit]

We get groceries delivered. King Soopers/Kroger, Safeway and Walmart all do it. Believe me the $10 fee is well worth it. Plus u save by avoiding impulse items.

[Food Lady]

I can put whatever I want on the dolly, but I have to be able to lift the bag when it's full if I want to put it in my lap. That's where the issue comes in: I need the dolly because I can't lift it. I guess the other riders are just going to have to deal with it, just like they'd have to give room for a wheel chair.

[Dreamstalker]

There are some folding hand trucks that fold up flat and much smaller than that; if you combined that with a soft duffel bag you might be able to get them into a package that would neatly fit in your lap.

I saw a couple customers with that setup last night; when full it didn't seem much larger than a normal rolling tote. One had the dolly in her backpack (which was part of the setup).

[MoonCat]

I can put whatever I want on the dolly, but I have to be able to lift the bag when it's full if I want to put it in my lap. That's where the issue comes in: I need the dolly because I can't lift it. I guess the other riders are just going to have to deal with it, just like they'd have to give room for a wheel chair.

There ya go. Just remember: You paid to ride the bus, same as they did. You need to use a cart. It's no worse than someone bringing a Cadillac-sized baby stroller onto the bus. In fact, your cart probably takes up less room.